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To Glow vs Glowing Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To glow (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to glow" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to glow at the party with my new dress.

Glowing (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "glowing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Glowing skin is a result of a good skincare routine.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To glow (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To glow is a sign of good health.

    To glow is a sign of good health.

    • "*To glow*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of good health).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to glow in the photos.

    She wants me to glow in the photos.

    • "Me *to glow* in the photos" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to glow* in the photos).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a highlighter to glow my cheekbones.

    I need a highlighter to glow my cheekbones.

    • "*To glow* my cheekbones" modifies the noun "highlighter."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a highlighter *to glow* my cheekbones).

Glowing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Glowing skin is attractive.

    Glowing skin is attractive.

    • "*Glowing* skin" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (attractive).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy glowing in the sunlight.

    I enjoy glowing in the sunlight.

    • "*Glowing* in the sunlight" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*glowing* in the sunlight).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for glowing.

    She has a passion for glowing.

    • "For *glowing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *glowing*).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

She plans to glow at the event tomorrow.

They hope to glow on their wedding day.

He wants to glow with confidence.

We decided to glow on our vacation.

They agreed to glow in the spotlight together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys glowing after a workout.

They recommend using a face mask for glowing skin.

I dislike the idea of glowing in the dark.

He avoids glowing in harsh lighting.

Can you imagine yourself glowing with happiness?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to glow with a bronzer. She likes glowing after applying a bronzer.

We started to glow from within. We started glowing from within.

He began to glow after using a face serum. He began glowing after using a face serum.

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